James Walter Sechrest, 81, of Holden, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Holden Manor Care Center.
James was born March 19, 1932, in Kingsville, Mo., the son of James Earl Jennings Sechrest and Marie (Riddle) Sechrest. He was married to Florence J. Donnici in 1952 in Harrison, Ark. The couple moved to Colorado where he was a logger for a brief time. They returned to Holden where James was employed with Rockledge Manufacturing. They eventually relocated to Kansas City where he became employed with Rupert Die Casting. In 1962, the couple returned to Holden. James retired from Lake City Ammunition Plant in 1982. His hobbies were raising livestock, including buffalo and horses. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, David Sechrest and wife, Paula, of Thornton, Colo.; Mike Sechrest and wife, Rhonda, of Holden; and Mary Shippy and husband, Gene “Tients,” of Centerview, Mo.; six grandchildren, Christine Heimbuck and husband, Joel, of Aurora, Colo.; Brian Sechrest of San Francisco, Calif.; Kevin Sechrest of Austin, Texas; Cindy Dieckhoff and husband, Jeremy, of Grain Valley, Mo.; Scott Sechrest and wife, Tina, of Holden; and Alan Shippy and wife, Desirae, of Centerview; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.